Mary Doria Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Doria Russell
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Russell at the annual conference of the American Library Association, January 2008
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| Born | August 19, 1950 Elmhurst, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Novelist |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Period | 1995–present |
| Genre | Science fiction, historical fiction |
| Notable works | The Sparrow Children of God Doc Epitaph |
| Notable awards | James Tiptree, Jr. Award, BSFA Award, Arthur C. Clarke Award, John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, Kurd Lasswitz Preis, ALA Top Pick in Historical Fiction, Ohioana Fiction Prize |
Mary Doria Russell, born on August 19, 1950, is a talented American writer. She is known for her exciting novels that explore different genres.
Contents
Early Life and School
Mary Doria Russell was born in Elmhurst, Illinois. She went to Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Illinois. After high school, she continued her education at the University of Michigan.
Writing Adventures
Mary Doria Russell has written many popular books. Her stories often combine history with thrilling adventures.
The Sparrow Series
Russell's first two novels are The Sparrow (1996) and its follow-up, Children of God (1998). These books are sometimes called the Sparrow series. They are science fiction stories about what might happen if humans met aliens for the first time. The books make readers think about big questions, like why bad things happen.
The Sparrow won several important awards. These include the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the BSFA Award. Because of this book, Russell also won the Astounding Award for Best New Writer in 1998.
Other Amazing Novels
After her science fiction series, Russell started writing historical novels. These books take readers back in time to different periods.
A Thread of Grace
A Thread of Grace (2005) is a thrilling story set during World War II. It takes place in Northern Italy. The book shows how the Italian resistance movement helped Jewish refugees. These refugees were trying to escape danger across Europe. The story is based on real accounts from people who lived through that time. Many Italian citizens bravely offered safe places for Jewish families.
Dreamers of the Day
Dreamers of the Day (2008) is a historical romance. It is set in the Midwestern United States and the Middle East. The story happens after World War I and the Great Influenza pandemic. It focuses on the 1921 Cairo Peace Conference. At this meeting, important figures like Winston Churchill helped shape the modern Middle East.
Doc
Doc (2011) is a mystery novel. It tells the story of Doc Holliday, a famous gambler and dentist. The book is set in Dodge City, Kansas, in 1878. Doc Holliday was a very skilled dentist. The story centers on the mysterious death of a young boy. Doc was chosen as a Top Pick in Historical Fiction by the American Library Association.
Epitaph
Epitaph (2015) continues the story from Doc. It follows Doc Holliday and the Earp brothers to Tombstone, Arizona. The book explores the events leading up to the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Russell did a lot of research for this book. She even rode a horse 58 miles through the mountains to retrace a historical journey. Many experts have praised Epitaph as one of the best books about this period.
The Women of the Copper Country
The Women of the Copper Country (2019) is a carefully researched novel. It is about the Copper Country strike of 1913–1914. This was a big strike by miners in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The main character, "Big Annie" Clements, is based on a real person, Anna Clemenc. She was a strong leader who fought for workers' rights. The book also features other historical figures from that time. This novel received a Michigan Notable Book Award in 2020.
Mary Doria Russell often gives talks at colleges, universities, and libraries.
Books by Mary Doria Russell
- The Sparrow (1996)
- Children of God (1998)
- A Thread of Grace (2005)
- Dreamers of the Day (2008)
- Doc (2011)
- Epitaph: A Novel of the O.K. Corral (2015)
- The Women of the Copper Country: A Novel (2019)
Awards and Recognition
Mary Doria Russell has won many awards for her writing:
- James Tiptree, Jr. Award, 1997, for The Sparrow
- Arthur C. Clarke Award, 1998, for The Sparrow
- BSFA Award for Best Novel, 1998, for The Sparrow
- John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, 1998, for The Sparrow
- Gaylactic Spectrum Hall of Fame Award, 2001, for The Sparrow and Children of God
- Kurd Lasswitz Preis (Germany), best foreign novel, 2001, for The Sparrow
